Extendable toys

ABSTRACT

Extendable toys comprise an extendable portion configured to be selectively manipulated between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration, and a body portion coupled to the extendable portion.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent applicationNo. 63/213,630, filed on Jun. 22, 2021, the complete disclosure of whichis incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to toys.

SUMMARY

Extendable toys comprise an extendable portion configured to beselectively manipulated between a retracted configuration and anextended configuration, and a body portion that is coupled to theextendable body portion. In some examples, the extendable toy representsa character, such as an animal, a creature, a person, a vehicle, oranother plaything. In some examples, the extendable toy furthercomprises a second body portion that is coupled to the extendableportion opposite the first body portion. In some examples, the firstbody portion and the second body portion each comprise a stuffed plushelement, and the extendable portion comprises a pop tube.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration representing examples of extendabletoys according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates an extendable toy according to the presentdisclosure, shown with its extendable portion in the retractedconfiguration.

FIG. 3 illustrates the extendable toy of FIG. 2 , shown with itsextendable portion in the extended configuration.

FIG. 4 illustrates the extendable toy of FIG. 2 , shown with itsextendable portion in a partially extended configuration.

FIG. 5 illustrates the extendable toy of FIG. 2 , shown with itsextendable portion in a bent configuration.

FIG. 6 illustrates another extendable toy according to the presentdisclosure, shown with its extendable portion in the retractedconfiguration.

FIG. 7 illustrates the extendable toy of FIG. 6 , shown with itsextendable portion in the extended configuration.

FIG. 8 illustrates another extendable toy according to the presentdisclosure, shown with its extendable portion the retractedconfiguration.

FIG. 9 illustrates the extendable toy of FIG. 8 , shown with itsextendable portion in the extended configuration.

FIG. 10 illustrates another extendable toy according to the presentdisclosure, having two sections and shown with its extendable portion inthe retracted configuration.

FIG. 11 illustrates the extendable toy of FIG. 10 , shown with itsextendable portion in the extended configuration.

FIG. 12 illustrates the extendable toy of FIG. 10 , shown with the twosections uncoupled from each other.

FIG. 13 illustrates another extendable toy according to the presentdisclosure, having extendable portions shown in their retractedconfigurations.

FIG. 14 illustrates another extendable toy according to the presentdisclosure, having extendable portions shown in their retractedconfigurations.

DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 schematically illustrates extendable toys 10 according to thepresent disclosure. Generally, in FIG. 1 , elements that are likely tobe included in a given example are illustrated in solid lines, whileelements that are optional to a given example or correspond to analternative embodiment are illustrated in dashed lines. However,elements that are illustrated in solid lines are not essential to allexamples of the present disclosure, and an element shown in solid linesmay be omitted from a particular example without departing from thescope of the present disclosure. Elements illustrated in dash-dot linesrepresent modified configurations of the elements.

As schematically represented in solid lines in FIG. 1 , extendable toys10 comprise at least an extendable portion 12 and a body portion 18 thatis coupled to the extendable body portion. The body portion 18 may becoupled to the extendable portion 12 via any suitable mechanism, such asdepending on the material construction of the body portion 18 and theextendable portion 12. As examples, the body portion 18 and theextendable portion 12 may be coupled together with an adhesive, withstitching, with one or more mechanical fasteners, etc.

The extendable portion 12 is configured to be selectively manipulatedbetween a retracted configuration 14, schematically represented in solidlines in FIG. 1 , and an extended configuration 16, schematicallyrepresented in dash-dot lines in FIG. 1 . Being manipulable between theretracted configuration 14 and the extended configuration increases theplay value and enables a user, typically a child, to reconfigure anextendable toy 10 amongst various configurations.

Extendable toys 10 may take a variety of forms, such as based on adesired age-level, based on a desired theme, etc. In some examples,extendable toys 10 may be described as representing a character 22, suchas (but not limited to) an animal, a creature, a person, a vehicle, asymbol, or another plaything.

In some examples, the body portion 18 may be described as comprising anattribute 20 of a character 22. For example, the attribute 20 maycomprise a head, a body, a torso, a limb, limbs, an arm, arms, a hand,hands, a leg, legs, a foot, feet, a wing, wings, a tail, tails, atentacle, tentacles, a top, a bottom, a front, a rear, a symbol,symbols, indicia, and/or text 24 of the character 22. The attribute 20may be defined by a shape, a color, and/or a material of the bodyportion 18 and/or by or with indicia or other elements on or of the bodyportion 18.

In some examples, the body portion 18 comprises or is a plush element26, such as a stuffed plush element. As used herein, a “plush element”is a component with an outer surface constructed of a soft, flexiblematerial, such as often used to construct so-called stuffed animals,stuffed toys, plushes, plushies, lovies, stuffies, soft toys, and cuddlytoys, examples of which include (but are not limited to) syntheticfabrics (e.g., polyester fabrics) and natural fiber fabrics (e.g.,cotton, wool, etc.). A “stuffed plush element” is a plush element thatdefines an internal cavity filled with a soft fill (e.g., polyesterfiber fill).

In some examples, the extendable portion 12 is configured to remain inthe retracted configuration 14 absent manipulation of the extendableportion 12. That is, the extendable portion 12 may not be biased awayfrom the retracted configuration 14 when manipulated to the retractedconfiguration 14 by a user. Accordingly, a user may selectivelyconfigure the extendable portion 12 to the retracted configuration 14and have it remain in the retracted configuration 14 until such timethat the user chooses to manipulate the extendable portion 12 out of theretracted configuration 14. Similarly, in some examples, the extendableportion 12 is configured to remain in the extended configuration 16absent manipulation of the extendable portion 12. That is, theextendable portion 12 may not be biased away from the extendedconfiguration 16 when manipulated to the extended configuration 16 by auser. Accordingly, a user may selectively configure the extendableportion 12 to the extended configuration 16 and have it remain in theextended configuration 16 until such time that the user chooses tomanipulate the extendable portion 12 out of the extended configuration16. As a result, a user may select which configuration to configure theextendable portion 12 to for a period of time for play and thensubsequently choose to reconfigure the extendable portion 12 duringplay.

In some examples, the extendable portion 12 is configured to beselectively manipulated amongst a range of partially extendedconfigurations between the retracted configuration 14 and the extendedconfiguration 16. In particular, in some such examples, the extendableportion 12 is configured to remain in a partially extended configurationof the range of partially extended configurations absent manipulation ofthe extendable portion 12. That is, a user may selectively manipulatethe extendable portion 12 amongst a plurality of configurations as partof play itself or to select a desired configuration for play, and insuch examples, the extendable portion 12 is not limited to only beingmanipulated to the retracted configuration 14 and the extendedconfiguration 16. This gives the user multiple ways of playing with anextendable toy 10 and increases the play value thereof.

In some examples, the extendable portion 12 is configured to beselectively manipulated between a linear configuration and one or morebent configurations. In some such examples, the extendable portion 12 isconfigured to remain in the linear configuration absent manipulation ofthe extendable portion 12, and in some examples, the extendable portion12 also is configured to remain in a bent configuration of the one ormore bent configurations absent manipulation of the extendable portion12. Again, this gives the user multiple ways of playing with anextendable toy 10 and increases the play value thereof.

The extendable portion 12 may be constructed from any suitable materialand have any suitable construction for the corresponding example. Insome examples, the extendable portion 12 is constructed of a plasticmaterial, but other material also may be used. In some examples, theextendable portion 12 has an accordion construction, which facilitatesthe manipulation of the extendable portion 12 between the retractedconfiguration 14 and the extended configuration 16.

In some examples, the extendable portion 12 is configured to emit asound responsive to manipulation of the extendable portion 12 betweenthe retracted configuration 14 and the extended configuration 16. Suchexamples may provide additional play value to a user.

In some examples, the extendable portion 12 comprises two or moresections 27 that are coupled together. In some such examples, the two ormore sections 27 are configured to be selectively uncoupled from eachother. Such a construction may provide the user with additional playoptions. Moreover, in some such examples, a user may be able toselectively combine elements from more than one extendable toy 10 tocreate a new, or combined, extendable toy 10.

In some examples, the extendable portion 12 comprises a pop tube 28. Poptubes are toys in the form of plastic tubes having an accordionconstruction. Some pop tubes have threaded ends configured tothreadingly engage with an adjacent pop tube of the same size andconstruction. Other pop tubes have press fit, or friction fit,configured ends that are configured to mate with an adjacent pop tube ofthe same size and construction. Pop tubes make pop sounds when they aretransitioned between their extended and retracted positions. Moreover, apop tube may be manipulated into a partially extended configuration andinto bent configurations, and pop tubes generally are configured toremain in a configuration absent manipulation thereto. That is, poptubes are not generally biased toward an extended or retractedconfiguration. Additionally, pop tubes make a “pop” sound when extendedor compressed between different lengths of the pop tube, which addsadditional play value to the extendable toy 10.

As schematically represented in FIG. 1 , some extendable toys 10 furthercomprise a second body portion 18 that is coupled to the extendableportion 12 opposite a first body portion 18. Like the first body portion18, the second body portion 18 may be described as comprising anattribute 20 of a character 22. As with the attribute 20 of the firstbody portion 18, the attribute 20 of the second body portion 18 maycomprise a head, a body, a torso, a limb, limbs, an arm, arms, a hand,hands, a leg, legs, a foot, feet, a wing, wings, a tail, tails, atentacle, tentacles, a top, a bottom, a front, a rear, a symbol,symbols, indicia, and/or text 24 of the character 22. The attribute 20of the second body portion 18 may be defined by a shape, a color, and/ora material of the second body portion 18 and/or by or with indicia orother elements on or of the second body portion 18. In some examples,the attribute 20 of the second body portion 18 differs from theattribute 20 of the first body portion 18. For example, the attribute 20of the first body portion 18 may comprise a head of an animal orcreature, and the attribute 20 of the second body portion 18 maycomprise a tail of the animal or creature. As another example, theattribute 20 of the first body portion 18 may comprise a head of ananimal or creature, and the attribute 20 of the second body portion 18may comprise a body, legs, and a tail of the animal or creature. Othercombinations of attributes also may be utilized and incorporated intoextendable toys 10.

In some examples, the second body portion 18 comprises a plush element26, such as a stuffed plush element.

As schematically represented in FIG. 1 , in examples of extendable toys10 that further comprise a second body portion 18, some such examplesfurther comprise a tether 38 that is coupled to and that extends betweenthe first body portion 18 and the second body portion 18. The tether 38,when present, may take any suitable construction, examples of whichinclude a ribbon, a cord, a rope, a lanyard, a string, yarn, a braid,etc. The tether 38 may be coupled to each of the first body portion 18and the second body portion 18 utilizing any suitable mechanism, such asdepending on the material construction of the first body portion 18, thesecond body portion 18, and the tether 38. As examples, the tether 38may be coupled to each of the first body portion 18 and the second bodyportion 18 with one or more of an adhesive, stitching, one or moremechanical fasteners, etc.

In some examples, the extendable portion 12 defines an internal passage40, and the tether 38 passes through the internal passage 40. A pop tube28 is an example of an extendable portion 12 having an internal passage40 and through which a tether 38 may pass.

In some examples that include a tether 38, when the extendable portion12 is in the extended configuration 16, the tether 38 is configured torestrict the extendable portion 12 from being lengthened beyond aneffective length of the extendable portion 12 in the extendedconfiguration 16. As used herein, an “effective length” is a maximumlength of the extendable portion 12 when the tether is present andoperatively coupled to the first body portion 18 and the second bodyportion 18. In some such examples, if the tether 38 were not present andoperatively coupled to the first body portion 18 and the second bodyportion 18, the extendable portion 12 would be capable of beinglengthened beyond the effective length. Accordingly, the tether 38, whenpresent will restrict, or prevent, manipulation of the extendableportion 12 beyond its effective length. As a result, if a user continuesto pull the first body portion 18 and the second body portion 18 awayfrom each other once the extendable portion 12 already is in theextended configuration 16, the tether 38 will serve to restrict, orprevent, the first body portion 18 and/or the second body portion 18from being inadvertently and/or detrimentally uncoupled from theextendable portion 12, such as by adhesive or other failure of thecoupling therebetween.

As schematically and optionally illustrated in FIG. 1 , extendable toys10 may comprise more than one extendable portion 12 coupled to a bodyportion 18, and extendable toys 10 may comprise more than two bodyportions 18. When more than one extendable portion 12 is included in anextendable toy 10, each extendable portion 12 may comprise any of thevarious features and characteristics discussed herein with respect toextendable portions 12. Similarly, when more than two body portions 18are included in an extendable toy 10, each body portion 18 may compriseany of the various features and characteristics discussed herein withrespect to body portions 18. Additionally, when more than one extendableportion 12 and more than two body portions 18 are included in anextendable toy 10, a tether 38 may extend through each extendableportion 12 and be operatively coupled to corresponding body portions 18.

Turning now to FIGS. 2-14 , illustrative non-exclusive examples ofextendable toys 10 in the form of extendable toys 100, 200, 300, 400,500, and 600 are illustrated. Where appropriate, the reference numeralsfrom the schematic illustration of FIG. 1 are used to designatecorresponding parts of extendable toys 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600;however, the examples of FIGS. 2-14 are non-exclusive and do not limitextendable toys 10 to the illustrated embodiments of extendable toys100, 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600. That is, extendable toys 10 are notlimited to the specific embodiments of the illustrated extendable toys100, 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600, and extendable toys 10 may incorporateany number of the various aspects, configurations, characteristics,properties, etc. of the extendable toys that are illustrated in anddiscussed with reference to the schematic representation of FIG. 1and/or the embodiments of FIGS. 2-14 , as well as variations thereof,without requiring the inclusion of all such aspects, configurations,characteristics, properties, etc. For the purpose of brevity, eachpreviously discussed component, part, portion, aspect, region, etc. orvariants thereof may not be discussed, illustrated, and/or labeled againwith respect to extendable toys 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600;however, it is within the scope of the present disclosure that thepreviously discussed features, variants, etc. may be utilized withextendable toys 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600.

Extendable toy 100 of FIGS. 2-5 is an example of an extendable toy 10that represents a snake with two body portions 18 and one extendableportion 12. One of the body portions 18 has an attribute 20 of thesnake's head, the other of the body portions 18 has an attribute 20 ofthe snake's tail, and the extendable portion 12 represents the snake'sbody. Each of the body portions 18 of extendable toy 100 comprises astuffed plush element 26. The extendable portion 12 of extendable toy100 comprises a single pop tube 28. The extendable portion 12 ofextendable toy 100 is shown in the retracted configuration 14 in FIG. 2, in the extended configuration 16 in FIG. 3 , in a partially extendedconfiguration in FIG. 4 , and in a bent configuration in FIG. 5 .Moreover, as schematically indicated in FIGS. 2-5 , extendable toy 100comprises a tether 38 that restricts the pop tube 28 from beinglengthened beyond an effective length corresponding to the extendedconfiguration 16, shown in FIG. 3 . As seen in FIG. 3 at the far rightend of the pop tube 28, several folds of the accordion construction ofthe pop tube 28 have been restricted from being spaced-apart as a resultof the presence of the tether 38.

Extendable toy 200 of FIGS. 6 and 7 is an example of an extendable toy10 that represents a shark with the two body portions 18 and oneextendable portion 12. One of the body portions 18 has an attribute 20of the shark's head and a forward region of the shark's body includingits dorsal fin and pectoral fins, the other of the body portions 18 hasan attribute 20 of the shark's caudal fin, and the extendable portion 12represents a rear region of the shark's body. Each of the body portionsof extendable toy 200 comprises a stuffed plush element 26. Theextendable portion 12 of extendable toy 200 comprises a single pop tube28. The extendable portion 12 of extendable toy 200 is shown in theretracted configuration 14 in FIG. 6 and in the extended configuration16 in FIG. 7 . Moreover, as schematically indicated in FIGS. 6 and 7 ,extendable toy 200 comprises a tether 38 that restricts the pop tube 28from being lengthened beyond an effective length corresponding to theextended configuration 16, shown in FIG. 7 . As seen in FIG. 7 at thefar left end of the pop tube 28, several folds of the accordionconstruction of the pop tube 28 have been restricted from beingspaced-apart as a result of the presence of the tether 38.

Extendable toy 300 of FIGS. 8 and 9 is an example of an extendable toy10 that represents a dinosaur with two body portions 18 and oneextendable portion 12. One of the body portions 18 has an attribute 20of the dinosaur's head, the other of the body portions 18 has anattribute 20 of the dinosaur's body, legs, and tail, and the extendableportion 12 represents the dinosaur's neck. Each of the body portions 18of extendable toy 300 comprises a stuffed plush element 26. Theextendable portion 12 of extendable toy 300 comprises a single pop tube28. The extendable portion 12 of extendable toy 300 is shown in theretracted configuration 14 in FIG. 8 and in the extended configuration16 in FIG. 9 . Moreover, as schematically indicated in FIGS. 8 and 9 ,extendable toy 300 comprises a tether 38 that restricts the pop tube 28from being lengthened beyond an effective length corresponding to theextended configuration 16, shown in FIG. 9 . As seen in FIG. 9 at thefar right end of the pop tube 28, several folds of the accordionconstruction of the pop tube 28 have been restricted from beingspaced-apart as a result of the presence of the tether 38.

Extendable toy 400 of FIGS. 10-12 is another example of an extendabletoy 10 that represents a snake with two body portions 18 and oneextendable portion 12. Like extendable toy 200 of FIGS. 2-5 , one of thebody portions 18 of extendable toy 400 has an attribute 20 of thesnake's head, the other of the body portions 18 has an attribute 20 ofthe snake's tail, and the extendable portion 12 represents the snake'sbody. The body portions 18 of extendable toy 400 each comprise a stuffedplush element 26. Unlike extendable toy 200 of FIGS. 2-5 , theextendable portion 12 of extendable toy 400 comprises two sections 27,each in the form of a pop tube 28 with threaded ends that may beselectively coupled and decoupled from each other. The extendableportion 12 of extendable toy 400 is shown in the retracted configuration14 in FIG. 10 , is shown in the extended configuration 16 in FIG. 11 ,and is shown with the two pop tubes 28 decoupled from each other in FIG.12 . As shown, extendable toy 400 comprises a tether 38 that restrictsthe extendable portion 12 (when the two sections 27 are coupledtogether) from being lengthened beyond an effective length correspondingto the extended configuration 16, shown in FIG. 11 .

Extendable toy 500 of FIG. 13 is an example of an extendable toy 10 thatrepresents a sloth with three body portions 18 and two extendableportions 12. One of the body portions 12 has an attribute 20 of thesloth's head, torso, legs, and feet, two of the body portions 18 eachhave an attribute 20 of a hand, and the two extendable portions 12represent the sloth's arms. The body portions 18 of extendable toy 500each comprise a stuffed plush element 26. Each extendable portion 12 ofextendable toy 500 comprises a pop tube 28. In FIG. 13 , each extendableportion 12 is shown in the retracted configuration 14. Extendable toy500 comprises two tethers 38 that restrict the extendable portions 12from being lengthened beyond their effective length.

Extendable toy 600 of FIG. 14 is an example of an extendable toy 10 thatrepresents a heart character with three body portions 18 and twoextendable portions 12. One of the body portions 12 has an attribute 20of a heart with text 24, two of the body portions 18 each have anattribute 20 of a hand, and the two extendable portions 12 representarms of the heart character. The body portions 18 of extendable toy 600each comprise a stuffed plush element 26. Each extendable portion 12 ofextendable toy 600 comprises a pop tube 28. In FIG. 14 , each extendableportion 12 is shown in the retracted configuration 14. Extendable toy600 comprises two tethers 38 that restrict the extendable portions 12from being lengthened beyond their effective length.

Illustrative, non-exclusive examples of inventive subject matteraccording to the present disclosure are described in the followingenumerated paragraphs:

A. An extendable toy (10), comprising:

an extendable portion (12) configured to be selectively manipulatedbetween a retracted configuration (14) and an extended configuration(16); and

a body portion (18) coupled to the extendable portion (12).

A1. The extendable toy (10) of paragraph A, wherein the extendable toy(10) represents a character (22).

A1.1. The extendable toy (10) of paragraph A1, wherein the character(22) is an animal, a creature, a person, a vehicle, a symbol, or anotherplaything.

A1.2. The extendable toy (10) of any of paragraphs A1-A1.1, wherein thebody portion (18) comprises an attribute (20) of the character (22).

A1.2.1. The extendable toy (10) of paragraph A1.2, wherein the attribute(20) comprises a head, a body, a torso, a limb, limbs, an arm, arms, ahand, hands, a leg, legs, a foot, feet, a wing, wings, a tail, tails, atentacle, tentacles, a top, a bottom, a front, a rear, a symbol,symbols, indicia, and/or text (24) of the character (22).

A2. The extendable toy (10) of any of paragraphs A-A1.2.1, wherein thebody portion (18) comprises a plush element (26).

A2.1. The extendable toy (10) of paragraph A2, wherein the plush element(26) is a stuffed plush element.

A3. The extendable toy (10) of any of paragraphs A-A2.1, wherein theextendable portion (12) is configured to remain in the retractedconfiguration (14) absent manipulation of the extendable portion (12).

A4. The extendable toy (10) of any of paragraphs A-A3, wherein theextendable portion (12) is configured to remain in the extendedconfiguration (16) absent manipulation of the extendable portion (12).

A5. The extendable toy (10) of any of paragraphs A-A4, wherein theextendable portion (12) is configured to be selectively manipulatedamongst a range of partially extended configurations between theretracted configuration (14) and the extended configuration (16).

A5.1. The extendable toy (10) of paragraph A5, wherein the extendableportion (12) is configured to remain in a partially extendedconfiguration of the range of partially extended configurations absentmanipulation of the extendable portion (12).

A6. The extendable toy (10) of any of paragraphs A-A5.1, wherein theextendable portion (12) is configured to be selectively manipulatedbetween a linear configuration and one or more bent configurations.

A6.1. The extendable toy (10) of paragraph A6, wherein the extendableportion (12) is configured to remain in the linear configuration absentmanipulation of the extendable portion (12).

A6.2. The extendable toy (10) of any of paragraphs A6-A6.1, wherein theextendable portion (12) is configured to remain in a bent configurationof the one or more bent configurations absent manipulation of theextendable portion (12).

A7. The extendable toy (10) of any of paragraphs A-A6.2, wherein theextendable portion (12) is constructed of a plastic material.

A8. The extendable toy (10) of any of paragraphs A-A7, wherein theextendable portion (12) has an accordion construction.

A9. The extendable toy (10) of any of paragraphs A-A8, wherein theextendable portion (12) is configured to emit a sound responsive tomanipulation of the extendable portion (12) between the retractedconfiguration (14) and the extended configuration (16).

A10. The extendable toy (10) of any of paragraphs A-A9, wherein theextendable portion (12) comprises two or more sections (27) coupledtogether.

A11.1. The extendable toy (10) of paragraph A11, wherein the two or moresections (27) are configured to be selectively uncoupled from eachother.

A12. The extendable toy (10) of any of paragraphs A-A11.1, wherein theextendable portion (12) comprises a pop tube (28).

A13. The extendable toy (10) of any of paragraphs A-A12, wherein thebody portion (18) is a first body portion (18), the extendable toy (10)further comprising:

a second body portion (18) coupled to the extendable portion (12)opposite the first body portion (18).

A13.1. The extendable toy (10) of paragraph A13 when depending fromparagraph A1.2, wherein the attribute (20) is a first attribute (20),and wherein the second body portion (18) comprises a second attribute(20) of the character (22).

A13.1.1. The extendable toy (10) of paragraph A13.1, wherein the secondattribute (20) comprises a head, a body, a torso, a limb, limbs, an arm,arms, a hand, hands, a leg, legs, a foot, feet, a wing, wings, a tail,tails, a tentacle, tentacles, a top, a bottom, a front, a rear, asymbol, symbols, indicia, and/or text (24) of the character (22).

A13.1.1.1. The extendable toy (10) of paragraph A13.1.1, wherein thesecond attribute (20) differs from the first attribute (20).

A13.2. The extendable toy (10) of any of paragraphs A13-A13.1.1.1 whendepending from paragraph A2, wherein the plush element (26) is a firstplush element (26), and wherein the second body portion (30) comprises asecond plush element (26).

A13.2.1. The extendable toy (10) of paragraph A13.2, wherein the secondplush element (26) comprises a stuffed plush element.

A13.3. The extendable toy (10) of any of paragraphs A13-A13.2.1, furthercomprising a tether (38) coupled to and extending between the first bodyportion (18) and the second body portion (18).

A13.3.1. The extendable toy (10) of paragraph A13.3, wherein theextendable portion (12) defines an internal passage (40), and whereinthe tether (38) passes through the internal passage (40).

A13.3.2. The extendable toy (10) of any of paragraphs A13.3-A13.3.1,wherein in the extended configuration (16), the extendable portion (12)has an effective length, and wherein the tether (38) is configured torestrict the extendable portion (12) from being lengthened beyond theeffective length.

A13.3.2.1. The extendable toy (10) of paragraph A13.3.2, wherein withoutthe tether (38) present, the extendable portion (12) is capable of beinglengthened beyond the effective length.

A14. The extendable toy (10) of any of paragraphs A-A13.3.2.1, whereinthe extendable portion (12) is a first extendable portion (12), theextendable toy (10) further comprising a second extendable portion (12),wherein the body portion (18) is coupled to the second extendableportion (12).

A14.1. The extendable toy (10) of paragraph A14 when depending fromparagraph A13, further comprising a third body portion (18) coupled tothe second extendable portion (12) opposite the first body portion (18).

A14.2. The extendable toy (10) of any paragraphs A14-A14.1, furthercomprising more than two extendable portions (12).

A14.2.1. The extendable toy (10) of paragraphs A14-A14.1, furthercomprising more than three body portions (18).

As used herein, the terms “adapted” and “configured” mean that theelement, component, or other subject matter is designed and/or intendedto perform a given function. Thus, the use of the terms “adapted” and“configured” should not be construed to mean that a given element,component, or other subject matter is simply “capable of” performing agiven function but that the element, component, and/or other subjectmatter is specifically selected, created, implemented, utilized,programmed, and/or designed for the purpose of performing the function.It is also within the scope of the present disclosure that elements,components, and/or other recited subject matter that is recited as beingadapted to perform a particular function may additionally oralternatively be described as being configured to perform that function,and vice versa. Similarly, subject matter that is recited as beingconfigured to perform a particular function may additionally oralternatively be described as being operative to perform that function.

As used herein, the term “and/or” placed between a first entity and asecond entity means one of (1) the first entity, (2) the second entity,and (3) the first entity and the second entity. Multiple entries listedwith “and/or” should be construed in the same manner, i.e., “one ormore” of the entities so conjoined. Other entities optionally may bepresent other than the entities specifically identified by the “and/or”clause, whether related or unrelated to those entities specificallyidentified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/orB,” when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as“comprising,” may refer, in one example, to A only (optionally includingentities other than B); in another example, to B only (optionallyincluding entities other than A); in yet another example, to both A andB (optionally including other entities). These entities may refer toelements, actions, structures, steps, operations, values, and the like.

The various disclosed elements of apparatuses and steps of methodsdisclosed herein are not required to all apparatuses and methodsaccording to the present disclosure, and the present disclosure includesall novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of thevarious elements and steps disclosed herein. Moreover, one or more ofthe various elements and steps disclosed herein may define independentinventive subject matter that is separate and apart from the whole of adisclosed apparatus or method. Accordingly, such inventive subjectmatter is not required to be associated with the specific apparatusesand methods that are expressly disclosed herein, and such inventivesubject matter may find utility in apparatuses and/or methods that arenot expressly disclosed herein.

1. An extendable toy that represents a character, comprising: anextendable portion configured to be selectively manipulated between aretracted configuration and an extended configuration, wherein theextendable portion is configured to remain in the retractedconfiguration absent manipulation of the extendable portion, and whereinthe extendable portion is configured to remain in the extendedconfiguration absent manipulation of the extendable portion; and a bodyportion coupled to the extendable portion; wherein the character is ananimal, a creature, a person, a vehicle, a symbol, or another plaything,wherein the body portion comprises an attribute of the character, andwherein the attribute comprises a head, a body, a torso, a limb, limbs,an arm, arms, a hand, hands, a leg, legs, a foot, feet, a wing, wings, atail, tails, a tentacle, tentacles, a top, a bottom, a front, a rear, asymbol, symbols, indicia, and/or text of the character.
 2. Theextendable toy of claim 1, wherein the body portion comprises a plushelement.
 3. The extendable toy of claim 2, wherein the plush element isa stuffed plush element.
 4. The extendable toy claim 1, wherein theextendable portion is configured to be selectively manipulated amongst arange of partially extended configurations between the retractedconfiguration and the extended configuration.
 5. The extendable toy ofclaim 4, wherein the extendable portion is configured to remain in apartially extended configuration of the range of partially extendedconfigurations absent manipulation of the extendable portion.
 6. Theextendable toy of claim 1, wherein the extendable portion is configuredto be selectively manipulated between a linear configuration and one ormore bent configurations.
 7. The extendable toy of claim 6, wherein theextendable portion is configured to remain in the linear configurationabsent manipulation of the extendable portion.
 8. The extendable toy ofclaim 6, wherein the extendable portion is configured to remain in abent configuration of the one or more bent configurations absentmanipulation of the extendable portion.
 9. The extendable toy of claim1, wherein the extendable portion has an accordion construction.
 10. Theextendable toy of claim 1, wherein the extendable portion is configuredto emit a sound responsive to manipulation of the extendable portionbetween the retracted configuration and the extended configuration. 11.The extendable toy of claim 1, wherein the extendable portion comprisestwo or more sections coupled together.
 12. The extendable toy of claim11, wherein the two or more sections are configured to be selectivelyuncoupled from each other.
 13. The extendable toy of claim 1, whereinthe extendable portion comprises a pop tube.
 14. The extendable toy ofclaim 1; wherein the body portion is a first body portion; wherein theattribute is a first attribute; wherein the extendable toy furthercomprises a second body portion coupled to the extendable portionopposite the first body portion; wherein the second body portioncomprises a second attribute of the character; and wherein the secondattribute comprises a head, a body, a torso, a limb, limbs, an arm,arms, a hand, hands, a leg, legs, a foot, feet, a wing, wings, a tail,tails, a tentacle, tentacles, a top, a bottom, a front, a rear, asymbol, symbols, indicia, and/or text of the character.
 15. Theextendable toy of claim 14, wherein the first body portion comprises afirst plush element, and wherein the second body portion comprises asecond plush element.
 16. The extendable toy of claim 14, furthercomprising a tether coupled to and extending between the first bodyportion and the second body portion; wherein the extendable portiondefines an internal passage, and wherein the tether passes through theinternal passage.
 17. The extendable toy of claim 16, wherein in theextended configuration, the extendable portion has an effective length,and wherein the tether is configured to restrict the extendable portionfrom being lengthened beyond the effective length.
 18. The extendabletoy of claim 14, wherein the extendable portion is a first extendableportion; wherein the extendable toy further comprises a secondextendable portion and a third body portion coupled to the secondextendable portion opposite the first body portion; wherein the thirdbody portion comprises a third attribute of the character; and whereinthe third attribute comprises a head, a body, a torso, a limb, limbs, anarm, arms, a hand, hands, a leg, legs, a foot, feet, a wing, wings, atail, tails, a tentacle, tentacles, a top, a bottom, a front, a rear, asymbol, symbols, indicia, and/or text of the character.
 19. Theextendable toy of claim 18, wherein the first body portion comprises afirst plush element, wherein the second body portion comprises a secondplush element, wherein the third body portion comprises a third plushelement, wherein the first extendable portion comprises a first poptube, and wherein the second extendable portion comprises a second poptube; wherein the extendable toy further comprises: a first tethercoupled to and extending between the first body portion and the secondbody portion and extending through the first pop tube; and a secondtether coupled to and extending between the first body portion and thethird body portion and extending through the second pop tube.
 20. Anextendable toy that represents a character, comprising: two bodyportions, wherein each body portion represents an attribute of thecharacter; and means for manipulating the two body portions relative toeach other.